Tyler father charged with capital murder makes court appearance

Friday, 43-year-old James Calvert was in court for a hearing in preparation for his capital murder trial.

Calvert is accused of killing his ex-wife and kidnapping their son last Halloween. He's being held in the Smith County Jail on a $25 million bond.

The hearing was one of many routine settings in the case. In capital murder trials, preparation for trial is not only time-consuming, but expensive. Friday morning, prosecutors updated the judge on their plans for reviewing and testing evidence that has been collected.

James Calvert sat quietly waiting for the hearing. His court appearances have become a routine in a case that's anything but ordinary.

On October 31, 2013, Tyler police swarmed a south Tyler home, just across the street from Pollard Park. It at that home, where authorities say 30-year-old Jelena Sriraman was shot and killed when Calvert forced his way into her home and took their four-year-old son. An Amber Alert was issued and police in Louisiana were able to stop Calvert and bring the child home.

Friday, prosecutors told the judge they'd given Calvert's attorneys data from a hard drive that was seized as evidence. They're also ready to send items off to a lab for DNA testing.

"There are certain swabs that are taken off the triggers of weapons. There might be what we believe to be blood on clothing," says Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham.

Those blood spots are so small that the items will be consumed during testing. Defense attorneys haven't agreed to the testing just yet, but plan on give the DA's office the ok sometime next week. If they have concerns they'd like to raise, the judge will set another pre-trial hearing. However, Bingham is ready to get the ball rolling.

"DNA testing, contrary to what you see on TV, doesn't occur in an hour. It does take some time and we want to make sure nothing is delayed because of this testing and what we do stay on track," he says.

Other evidence that might be brought in or discussed during Calvert's trial include the six shell casings that a search warrant revealed were collected the scene. According to a search warrant executed on Calvert's home, police also seized more than two dozen guns, ammunition, knives and axes. Calvert will be in court for another hearing on October 3rd.

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>